[Blood feeding sources and peridomiciliation of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)].
Abstract: A precipitin test was employed to study the alimentary tract content of Lutzomyia longipalpis in the intra- and peridomiciliary environments in the municipality of Raposa, Maranh o State, a transmission area for visceral leishmaniasis or kala azar. Out of 2,240 female sandflies captured, 547 (24.4%) had fed on vertebrate blood, with the following proportions: avian (87.9%); rodent (47.2%); human (42.4%); canine (27.6%); opossum (26.6%); and equine (22.5%). Based on a survey of 120 human dwellings, chickens were found to be the most common domestic animals in the peridomicile (28.3%), followed by dogs (21.7%), cats (17.5%), donkeys (13.3%), pigeons (7.5%), rabbits (3.3%), ducks (3.3%), and horses, mallards, and pigs (1.7% each). Synanthropic animals included opossums (39.3%), followed by rats (37.9%), bats (14.3%), raccoons (3.6%), foxes (2.1%), snakes (1.4%), and frogs (1.4%). The peridomiciliary presence of domestic and synanthropic animals as well as sandflies that had fed on human, opossum, and canid blood supports the hypothesis that kala azar transmission has been taking place in the anthropic environment in the municipality of Raposa.
Publication Date: 2003-12-02 PubMed ID: 14666218DOI: 10.1590/s0102-311x2003000500015Google Scholar: Lookup
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- English Abstract
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Summary
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The research conducted explores the feeding behaviors and habitats of the Lutzomyia longipalpis, a species of sandflies known to transmit Leishmaniasis, within human and surrounding environments in the municipality of Raposa, Maranhão State. The results show these sandflies have a varied diet including human, avian, rodent, canine, opossum, and equine blood, suggesting that transmission of Leishmaniasis may be occurring in these environments.
Study Methodology
The researchers used a precipitin test to study the content of the alimentary tract of the Lutzomyia longipalpis sandfly. This test is used to identify the source of blood meals by recognizing the presence of antibodies against them. It allowed the researchers to determine:
- The feeding sources of the sandflies
- The extent of their peridomiciliation (adaptation to living in human environments).
They collected 2,240 female sandflies from both within and around human dwellings.
Feeding Habits
The precipitin test showed that out of the 547 sandflies that had fed, not all of them fed on the same source:
- Avian blood had been consumed by 87.9%, making it the most common source.
- Rodent and human blood were also found to be common sources, 47.2% and 42.4% respectively.
- Canine blood was found in 27.6% of the sandflies.
- Opossum and equine blood accounted for 26.6% and 22.5% respectively.
Domestic and Synanthropic Animals
Beyond uncovering feeding habits, this research also collected data on the most common domestic and synanthropic (wild animals living in human habitats) animals in the peridomicile areas. This was done to understand if there is a correlation between the presence of these animals and the sandfly feeding habits:
- Chickens were found to be the most common domestic animals in the peridomicile accounting for 28.3%.
- Other common animals included dogs (21.7%), cats (17.5%), and donkeys (13.3%).
- Opossums were found to be the most common synanthropic animals, accounting for 39.3%, followed by rats (37.9%) and bats (14.3%).
Conclusions
The findings of the study support the hypothesis that transmission of kala azar (visceral leishmaniasis) is taking place in human environments in this municipality. Lutzomyia longipalpis sandflies, known to transmit this disease, were found feeding on both humans and common domestic and synanthropic animals. This peridomiciliary presence of the disease carrier therefore suggests a potential health risk to the human population in this area.
Cite This Article
APA
Dias Fde O, Lorosa ES, Rebêlo JM.
(2003).
[Blood feeding sources and peridomiciliation of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) (Psychodidae, Phlebotominae)].
Cad Saude Publica, 19(5), 1373-1380.
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0102-311x2003000500015 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratório de Entomologia e Vetores, Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, São Luís, MA, 65025-560, Brasil. flavioopd@bol.com.br
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Domestic
- Feeding Behavior / physiology
- Female
- Housing
- Humans
- Insect Vectors / physiology
- Leishmaniasis, Visceral / transmission
- Psychodidae / physiology
Citations
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